Ibrahim is after a practical used SUV with a driving edge.

What used SUV should I buy?

Ibrahim is after a used SUV that handle both the commuter and family-car roles. Good cabin space, a decent-sized boot and solid safety are mandatory but what he'd really like is something gutsy and fun to drive. He can't decide between Mazda's CX-7 (in turbo-petrol form) and Subaru's Forester XT, or is there something else he should be considering?

The budget

About $10,000

The shortlist

Practical SUVs with a bit of a driving edge aren't common in this part of the used market, so we're not surprised Ibrahim is stuck between the CX-7, Forester and a hard place. Both are certainly worthy of close inspection here.

Finding a third used SUV to hold these two to account is where things get difficult. There are Ford Kugas with the requisite grunt but they're not $10k propositions. Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSIs have tempting driving credentials but not a family-friendly boot. Other SUVs that can be considered great $10k buys are strictly mainstream in the driving-pleasure department. So we'll need to think outside the square.

2006-12 Mazda CX-7 turbo petrol, from $8100*

This Mazda's 175kW 2.3-litre turbo engine has loads of go and it's more agile and engaging to drive than most SUVs of this vintage.

Its cabin is respectably roomy and it scores solid points for comfort, user-friendliness and quality.

Every CX-7 has stability control and curtain airbags, and if you pin down a 2009-on Series 2 model – not a pipedream at this budget – you also get a reversing camera.

But the CX-7 is a thirsty beast, often much thirstier than its mediocre 11.5L/100km rating suggests, and asks for premium unleaded.

Its upswept window line impacts on back-seat vision, especially for children, and its boot is this group's smallest (400 litres). It's the only car of this group without a potentially desirable manual option.

Ibrahim clearly wants an SUV but there's nothing in his criteria that says he has to have one, so why not this Skoda?

The RS147's 147kW 2.0-litre turbo four might seem a little weedy here but in the lighter Octavia it delivers similar go and vastly better economy (7.7-8.1L/100km). It also has this group's most hunkered-down handling.

Its cabin is classy, has good back-seat vision and its boot is huge (580 litres). Stability control and curtain airbags are mandatory.

So what's the rub? Well, the Skoda is lower than an SUV, so access and loading are tougher. It has a smaller back seat than the Mazda, a firmer ride, inferior four-star ANCAP rating (its rival scores five stars) and no reversing-camera option.

DSG auto versions need expert checking as a bad one can really hurt the wallet. Like the CX-7, it asks for premium unleaded.

Ibrahim wants an SUV, so the Octavia can't win. But its stellar mix of practicality and driving appeal should invite him to re-examine his priorities, even with its foibles.

Splitting the CX-7 and Forester is a challenge. The former is the more compelling drive, makes a reversing camera a more realistic target and is the better buy. But the latter is more family-friendly, more economical and offers more off-road potential.

So it comes down to how the negatives play out. The Mazda's thirst and vision niggles are potentially big issues and non-negotiable. The Subaru's driving deficit isn't troubling and its reversing-camera shortcoming is potentially resolved with aftermarket intervention. That gives the Forester the glory.

* Values are estimates provided by Redbook based on an example averaging up to 20,000km per annum and in a well-maintained condition relevant to its age.

Drive Comments

DJM61 | 29 Mar 2017 05:33

2011 Forester S Edition: 193kW/347Nm, five-speed automatic, Tyres: 225/55R17. Agreed more money, but a great SUV with a driving edge.

ibstltr | 31 Mar 2017 07:46

Octavia is a stupid option for the requirements. A Yeti would be a better option but space might be the deciding factor. And as they depreciate rapidly he could turn up a relatively new example cheap (especially with VAG's numerous recent issues).
The obvious not-quite-SUV is a Subaru Outback. Full size wagon, but off-road capability, reasonable power (2.5L or 3L) and well within budget. Would have to give the edge to the 6-cylinder in terms of reliability compared to the hit-or-miss EJ25 found in the Forester too.